How texture enhances the sensory experience of energy bars

Texture is a key factor in the way we perceive and enjoy energy bars, influencing everything from first bite to final chew. Read on to discover how texture enhances their sensory appeal, creating more enjoyable, memorable products that satisfy both functional needs and consumer cravings.

Why is texture important in energy bars?

Texture is a crucial consideration for creating snack bar products that stand out in a crowded market. Texture can be used in innovative formulations and processing to create products with contrasting soft chewy layers alongside firmer crispy elements which combine to provide exciting mouthfeel as well as interesting visual appeal. A bar’s texture can also impact satiety or how flavors are experienced. Chewy and crunchy snacks often require more chewing which can slow down eating and help customers feel more satisfied. A softer texture tends to release flavors quickly while a harder texture might take longer to break down, delaying the flavor release and extending the eating experience.

Whether it's a soft chew, a firm bite, or a gratifying crispiness, texture offers bar manufacturers a great way to make their products distinctive and appealing. 

What are the benefits of using extruded crisps to add texture to energy bars?

Added protein

Extruded protein crisps such as Pea Protein Crisps or Soy Protein Crisps can be used to create delicious snacks that provide crunchy enjoyment as well as functional protein. This appeals to an increasingly health-conscious, fitness-focused consumer market, allowing manufacturers to expand their product range to reach new audiences. 

Distinctive mouthfeel

Texture plays a vital role in creating energy and protein bars that offer a more engaging and satisfying mouthfeel. Incorporating a variety of textures to create crunchy toppings, inclusions, chewy centers, or crispy layers not only improves sensory appeal but also helps differentiate products in the market. By thoughtfully layering textures, manufacturers can refine the eating experience, to bring dynamism and delight to every bite.

Delayed flavor release

Texture is also a great tool to manage flavor release in protein and energy bars. By incorporating layered or structured textures, manufacturers can delay the point at which flavors are perceived on the palate. This delayed flavor release extends the overall taste sensation, making a more complex, satisfying, and memorable snack experience that resonates with consumers.

Perception of freshness

Crispy, crunchy textures tend to be associated with freshness. A crisp apple or carrot would be considered fresher and more appealing so our senses respond similarly with other crunchy textures. Extruded protein crisps provide well-balanced texture which breaks on the initial bite to retain that perception of freshness and quality. 

What are the best texture solutions for energy bars?

It’s important that manufacturers choose the right texture solutions for energy bars and protein bars. Extruded pea or soy crisps are a great option to boost protein but rice crisps can also blend well in any formulation to bring extra sensory enjoyment to the bar eating experience. Softer and crispy textures can help reduce bar density, delivering satisfying volume with less weight for a lighter, more delightful bite.

Pea protein crisps and disks

Pea protein crisps and disks are the perfect addition to energy or protein bars, enhancing both texture and protein profile. Designed specifically for nutritional snacking with up to 70% protein content, their crunchy texture offers an appealing counterpoint to soft, chewy bases like caramel or nougat, creating a more complex, nutritious bite. Available in a range of shapes and sizes with a mild flavor, pea protein crisps and disks are a great option for soy-free formulations.

Soy protein crisps

Soy protein crisps can provide a protein-packed texture solution for energy bars with the option to select precise protein levels up to 90%. Delivering a satisfying bite and crunch, these crisps can be incorporated into better-for-you snack formulations, boosting nutritional value as well as offering a more indulgent texture sensation.

Rice crisps

Rice crisps can be incorporated into a variety of bar formulations and processing, complementing both sweet and savory ingredients. With their subtle flavor, they blend well into any formulation to add appetizing visual appeal and crispy texture without compromising overall flavor. Whether using white or brown rice, these rice crisps can be customized according to the manufacturers’ texture, size and shape requirements. With their naturally softer texture, rice crisps can add volume to snack bars without adding extra weight, delivering a satisfying bite and a more cost-effective formulation.

Why choose texture solutions from PGPI?

At PGPI, we deliver tailored texture solutions for brands and manufacturers targeting the energy and protein bar markets. Our innovative extrusion process allows us to provide texture solutions that boost protein content and improve the mouthfeel of bar products, delivering excitement and delight to the end consumers, With over 30 years of experience, our proprietary technology continues to create superior crisp textures. 

Keen to find out more about how our texture solutions can be incorporated into your product formulations? Get in touch today to speak to a member of our specialist team or request a sample.